Jim Maes:  

You may not remember me because I was very shy. I attended OPRFHS only as a junior and senior year (1963-1965) after attending Marmion Military Academy as a freshman and sophomore (1961-1963). I ran the mile on the track team my junior year and wrestling team as a junior and senior. In 1965 I would have voted myself to the list of graduates least likely to succeed. I grossly underestimated the tenacious drive hidden inside. My life has been an adventurous roller-coaster ride and an international all-you-can-eat-smorgasbord. Full of ups and downs and I tried it all. I transformed myself from an insecure introvert to type A successful can-do go-getter. I did it ALL. I retired on December 24, 2000, as a California RN, BSN, PHN.. 1970 BS in Business Education from Southern Illinois University. I did not enjoy trying to teach brats that had zero interest in learning so that lasted but a few months. 1993 BSN (nursing science) from Florida Atlantic University. Yes, Jim actually became a registered nurse / public health nurse. Graduated in the top quarter of my class. 180 degrees different from my Marmion and OPRFHS experiences. March 1993, just before graduating from FAU I changed my last name from Maes to Van Eyck because Van Eyck is the correct bloodline name. The short story is my father's father, Mr. Van Eyck, who died when my father was two years old. Dad's surname was Van Eyck. Dad's mother married Mr. Maes. At age seven dad was adopted which, of course, changed his surname from Van Eyck to Maes. I changed to the correct bloodline name. I always loved the surname Van Eyck. I experienced the ups and downs by owning several businesses: A collection agency, automobile body shop, carpet cleaning business, and various real estate experiences. I am a slow learner as it took 30 years (after buying and selling abou...Expand for more